Belle Isle is one of the things people can see when coming to Detroit for the North American International Auto Show. / Kimberly P. Mitchell/Detroit Free Press

Art lovers and the merely curious visit the Red Bull House Of Art at Eastern Market. / Joe Gall/Red Bull

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Company offers tours

D:hive Tours will offer one-hour tours during the North American International Auto Show and the Press Preview week. “Too often, media barely scratches the surface; we want to take them deeper to see the city from a Detroiter’s perspective,” Jeanette Pierce, director of community relations at D:hive, said in a news release. “Detroit is more than the auto industry and the bankruptcy, and we want to show the media what’s happening on the ground level in Detroit.” Media members can e-mail jeanette@dhivedetroit.org or call 313-268-6562 to schedule a free private tour.

The Red Bull House Of Art showcases the work of various types of artists. / Joe Gall/Red Bull Content Pool

We know you’ve heard and seen lots of bad stuff about Detroit. And we acknowledge that there may be plenty of bad news to discuss — bankruptcy, blight, crime, corruption. But, that’s not where the story of Detroit should end.

The North American International Auto Show, which opens with media previews Monday, offers a unique opportunity to look on Detroit with fresh eyes. After all, people do live here, and love here, and work here, and as most will tell you, Detroit can surprise you and warm your heart.

So in anticipation of one of the three largest auto shows in the world, here are 10 Detroit attractions (with a few bonuses) that should not be missed.

1. The Guardian Building, 500 Griswold

You only need to step inside the lobby of this 40-story skyscraper, once known as the Cathedral of Finance, to know why it’s a must-see. The walls and ceilings are, as its literature states, an “explosion of color, craftsmanship and blending of Native American, Aztec and Arts & Crafts influences.”

Some 40 artisans are responsible for the intricate painting, tile and glass and marble work on the ceilings and walls of this building dating to the 1920s.

Among the spots worth visiting while there is Pure Detroit, which specializes in — what else? — Detroit merchandise, such as T-shirts, tote bags and a special Motor City Blend coffee.

The Rowland Cafe, on the promenade level, offers a special brew of Italian-brand premium roast coffee and a fine space for conversation. The place is so beautiful, the popular wedding website knot.com named it one of the top wedding venues.

The building is open to the public 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.

For an approximately one-hour, free guided tour of the building, be at the Pure Detroit shop (Suite 250) before 11 a.m. Saturday.

2. The African Bead Museum, 6559 Grand River

Both the exterior and interior of this one-man creation are works of art. While African textures, artifacts and sculptures are popular, its main attractions are the thousands of individually made beads from or inspired by Africa.

Some beads are more than 800 years old, said Olayami Dabls, who began turning this house into an art gallery in 1996 and has been working on it since.

While many beads are for display only, some are for sale, ranging from 20 cents to $200 each.

“It’s a unique art exhibit that offers an authentic aspect of the flavor of Detroit,” Dahls said.

3. The Detroit riverfront

There are few views like the Detroit skyline over into Canada. Yes, even in this crisp cold snap, it is breathtakingly beautiful. And there are few places in the U.S. where you can stand in one country and look over at another.

It’s not simply the sight of our foreign neighbor that makes a visit to the riverfront worthwhile. The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2013. That’s 10 years of turning stretches of the riverfront into an attractive place for walking, biking, relaxing and refreshing.

And while biking the Detroit RiverWalk may not be advised in this weather, the path is still a pretty place to walk or run the roughly 3 miles along the river and the 1.5-mile Dequindre Cut, a former railroad track turned artistically adorned trail.

“We take pride in keeping the RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut open for people,” said spokesman Marc Pasco. “It truly is a four-season destination. I’m looking at people jogging right now.”

It’s an ideal destination for camera buffs and visitors looking to get in a brisk walk or run while in town. There is free parking in a lot at Atwater and Rivard.

4. Eastern Market

We’re not just talking about a great place to buy fruits, vegetables and other foodstuffs. Look beyond the fresh produce stalls for unique offerings of fun and entertainment. A few examples:

■ The Red Bull House of Art, 1551 W. Winder, an incubation studio for artists, opened in 2012 in a former warehouse. It’s an attractive show space for painters, sculptors, ceramists and others. The gallery is also open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment. For more information, go to www.redbull.com/us/en/events/1331618729312/red-bull-house-of-art.

■ The Detroit Mercantile Co., at 3434 Russell, has the look and feel of an old general store. It specializes in American-made products ranging from T-shirts to soaps and bicyclers. A fun place for browsing or buying. For more information, go to www.detroitmercantile.com.

■ Bert’s Marketplace. Just follow your nose to the barbecue pits that are likely grilling burgers, ribs and more. Step inside to music and dancing most evenings. Saturday nights are blues nights, starting about 8 p.m. and going until 2 a.m. For more information, call 313-393-3233.

5. Baker's Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois

If you appreciate good music, notably jazz, it would be criminal not to stop by the place that calls itself the oldest jazz club in the world. While we can’t vouch for that, we can vouch for it being a historical and artistic jewel. “Every jazz great that has ever played the music has been through Baker’s,” says co-owner Eric Whitaker.

Many established and aspiring jazz artists take to the stage of this cozy joint, known for its great sound and piano-shaped bar. Regulars know to get here early; it seats only 99.

Baker’s is open daily; Mondays (Comedy Night) are the only evenings you’re not likely to hear live jazz.

6. Palmer Woods and other neighborhoods

When Detroit’s new mayor, Mike Duggan, and his wife decided to move into the city, they chose one of the city’s most elegant neighborhoods, known for its stunning, spacious brick homes — each one different from the other.

The stately development resulted from a 100-acre gift Sen. Thomas Palmer gave to the City of Detroit. Famous architects designed homes there, including Frank Lloyd Wright, and Minoru Yamasaki and Albert Kahn. Many dignitaries lived there, including former Mayors Dennis Archer and Frank Couzens.

A great way to get a peek inside some of the houses is the neighborhood’s concert series, Music in Homes, which offers jazz, classical and world music in individual homes almost monthly. For a schedule and information on ordering tickets, go to http://palmerwoods.org/music-in-homes.

Venture out: Great homes in great neighborhoods aren’t limited to the Palmer Woods. Other neighborhoods you should Google and ride through include Rosedale Park, Boston-Edison and Corktown.

Want to buy? The French chateau-inspired Hecker-Smiley mansion at Woodward and Ferry can be had for a mere $2.8 million. The 21,000-square-foot mansion includes 13 fireplace mantels, Pewabic tile and gold-detailed painting.

Looking to rent? A three-bedroom beauty — the bottom flat of a home in the historic Woodbridge neighborhood — is available at http://justimaginethatrentals.com. Click on the Detroit listing for views of the fully furnished place with oak floors and full Wi-Fi access. It rents for about $300 a night, including taxes and fees.

7. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward

Wow, are you in luck. The Detroit Film Festival is celebrating 40 years this weekend with great films that can be seen for only $2 each — the same price as in 1974, when the film series began.

The 1,200-seat theater is located in the rear of the Detroit Institute of Arts, so it’s best to enter off John R. And as long as you’re going, you might as well double your pleasure and plan a walk through the DIA before seeing a film — at least to see the focus of all the bankruptcy debate about the value of the art. For information on the film festival, to go http://dia.org/detroitfilmtheatre/14/DFT.aspx.

8. Cadieux Cafe for feather bowling, 4300 Cadieux

What is “feather bowling”? It’s a game in which players compete to get a ball about 60 feet down a concave lane, as close to a feather as possible. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play; there are plenty of people who do and can show you how.

Co-owner Paul Misuraca said the popular café, once a Prohibition speakeasy, is one of few places in the country for feather bowling.

“There’s a lot of strategy but it’s not so difficult you can’t learn it,” Misuraca said. “And it’s fun for all ages.”

There are no limits to the number of team members. Games cost $40 per hour per lane, and there are two lanes. Reservations are recommended.

There’s a full menu and bar, as well. Steamed mussels are a specialty.

9. Belle Isle

While many people think of Belle Isle as only a warm-weather destination, the island offers amazing views of nature year-round. There’s an area just past the bridge to the island where you can stand and snap a selfie with part of the U.S. and part of Canada in the background.

The conservatory’s gardens and the nature zoo are open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, and the aquarium is open 10-3 p.m. Saturdays.

10. Spots for dancing

■ Bleu, 1540 Woodward.

If dancing is your thing, Bleu is the spot.

The former theater turned nightclub accommodates up to 750 people on three levels.

Techno and house music DJs come from all over the world to pump the music that draws people to the spacious dance floor, said Bleu partner Mitch Jaworski.

The club is usually open 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, go to http://bleudetroit.com.

■ Niki’s Lounge, 735 Beaubien.

Although known first for its pizza, Niki’s in Greektown also offers a great space for dancing upstairs, called Niki’s Lounge. It’s open 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with hustle and ballroom lessons from 7-9 p.m. both nights.